A Comparison of Two Techniques for Ultrasound-guided Caudal Injection: The Influence of the Depth of the Inserted Needle on Caudal Block

A Ram Doo, Jin Wan Kim, Ji Hye Lee, Young Jin Han, Ji Seon Son, A Ram Doo, Jin Wan Kim, Ji Hye Lee, Young Jin Han, Ji Seon Son

Abstract

Background: Caudal epidural injections have been commonly performed in patients with low back pain and radiculopathy. Although caudal injection has generally been accepted as a safe procedure, serious complications such as inadvertent intravascular injection and dural puncture can occur. The present prospective study was designed to investigate the influence of the depth of the inserted needle on the success rate of caudal epidural blocks.

Methods: A total of 49 adults scheduled to receive caudal epidural injections were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group 1 to receive the caudal injection through a conventional method, i.e., caudal injection after advancement of the needle 1 cm into the sacral canal (n = 25), and Group 2 to receive the injection through a new method, i.e., injection right after penetrating the sacrococcygeal ligament (n = 24). Ultrasound was used to identify the sacral hiatus and to achieve accurate needle placement according to the allocated groups. Contrast dyed fluoroscopy was obtained to evaluate the epidural spread of injected materials and to monitor the possible complications.

Results: The success rates of the caudal injections were 68.0% in Group 1 and 95.8% in Group 2 (P = 0.023). The incidences of intravascular injections were 24.0% in Group 1 and 0% in Group 2 (P = 0.022). No intrathecal injection was found in either of the two groups.

Conclusions: The new caudal epidural injection technique tested in this study is a reliable alternative, with a higher success rate and lower risk of accidental intravascular injection than the conventional technique.

Keywords: Caudal anesthesia; Epidural injection; Low back pain; Sacral hiatus; Sacrococcygeal ligament; Ultrasound.

Figures

Fig. 1. Longitudinal ultrasound image showing the…
Fig. 1. Longitudinal ultrasound image showing the final location of the needle in the conventional caudal injection group (A) and the new caudal injection group (B).
Fig. 2. Fluoroscopic AP image showing a…
Fig. 2. Fluoroscopic AP image showing a characteristic epidural filling pattern (A) and inappropriate dispersion of the contrast dye (B).
Fig. 3. CONSORT diagram.
Fig. 3. CONSORT diagram.

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